Fantasy Football Week 4 Projections: Frank Gore and 2 Stars Fading Fast

Every NFL season we are reminded that preseason fantasy football rankings mean nothing.

There are always a few stars that tank and make fantasy football owners rant and pull their hair out.

This season, we've already seen some fantasy stars wither and shrink, while other lesser names have sprouted up like DeMarcus Ware after a sack.

3. Matt Cassel, QB, Kansas City Chiefs

Wow, to think that Matt Cassel had over 3,000 yards passing, 27 touchdowns and 236 fantasy points in 2010.

Well, those days are over folks, and the days of calling the Chiefs the AFC West champs are over, too. Not only has Cassel dropped off significantly this season, he's just lost his star running back Jamaal Charles for the season, meaning defenses will be focusing more on the pass and locking eyes with Cassel.

Cassel has let down fantasy owners after each successful season in the last four years. In 2008, he put up huge fantasy numbers with the New England Patriots. In 2009, he sank with the Chiefs. In 2010, he rose again. And in 2011, he will sink once more.

The reality is he isn't the star quarterback his numbers would suggest in 2008 and 2010. Both seasons he was the by-productive of a well-schemed game plan. Stay away this year, folks. Cassel is averaging 142 yards per game and has tossed just three touchdowns to five interceptions.

2. Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers

Being from the Bay Area, I've watched Gore closely ever since he was drafted out of Miami by the 49ers in the 2005 NFL Draft. That's why it pains me to say a player that has been so fun to watch is headed for a fall in 2011.

Gore has always been a superb dual-threat, and has been the centerpiece of the 49ers' offense for years. But he played in just 11 games last season due to injury and he's suffering from an ankle injury right now. Gore is only 28 years old, but the wear and tear this guy has experienced is paralleled by few running backs in the NFL. The problem with relying on Gore so much throughout the years is that he's bound to start slowing down earlier than most running backs.

Gore has rushed 59 times for 148 yards this season, good for 2.5 yards per carry. He has one touchdown. And he has just six receptions for 36 yards. On top of that, the 49ers' offensive line has looked bad and rookie backup Kendall Hunter has shown signs of stealing some carries from the two-time Pro Bowler.

1. Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams

Steven Jackson is almost the exact same story as Gore, except he has an extra year on his belt. Injuries have caught up to him (he suffered a quad injury on his second rush of the season), his offensive line hasn't been as good as expected and he has a grand total of six rushes for the season. Did I mention Cadillac Williams is on the team now?

It's not like Gore and Jackson won't have a good game here and there, but to expect the same numbers they've given us during their careers is to expect them to find the Fountain of Youth and a new pair of legs.